October 26, 2026 -- Day Twenty-six of Joy: Philippians 1:23-26
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23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Philippians 1:23-26 ESV
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is often referred to as his letter of joy. The words joy and rejoicing are regularly used through-out the whole letter. I am concluding this month of reflecting on joy with some meditations drawn from Philippians. When you read of the various hardships Paul has endured, it is no wonder he desires to be with Jesus. Death is not a fearsome thing, though it is the final punishment for sin, the way through it has been opened for us in Christ. He has walked through the valley of death and conquered the grave. While Paul contemplates his death, he is also aware that there are still many little Christian gatherings scattered around the Mediterranean coastlands, who rely on his instruction and prayers. It is the reason he is open to living and ministering a while longer in holy service to God.
The blessing of mentoring believers, praying for them, and seeing how they grow up, rooted and established in Christ Jesus brings him joy. When a young believer, who keeps on struggling to bring Christian faith into practice, finally gets it and there is evidence of consistency in the Gospel, there is joy. Progress in the faith, shared and celebrated between a mentor and his mentees is always a reason for joy.
Ah, dear fellow believers, perhaps joy is a concept that is not as common among us as it could be, because we as long-time Christians live with the false idea we’ve arrived. Our faith is fine and we don’t need to be stretched or challenged anymore. It is now basically just maintaining what we have. Nothing could be further from the truth. While we are in Christ, we have a lifetime to grow, to mature, to build others up and both sharpen and be sharpened by others. If your faith is a bit ho-hum, even boring, I boldly put to you your faith is stagnant. Spend time with new believers. Decide to bless others and help those who are struggling. Use the spiritual gifts you have and you will see the progress of others (and likely your own as well) and this will result in joy!
Father in heaven You are my joy! Lord Jesus Christ, You are the foundation of that joy! Holy Spirit in You I am guarded in the fullness of joy and anticipate everlasting joy. Lead me, Triune God, to seek out someone to mentor so that instructing others in Your way, I will serve expecting to see progress and joy in their faith, which renews the progress and joy in my own faith. Glorious Lord, in my life, in my home, in Your church and beyond, be honoured and adored, now and forevermore. Amen.
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